October 7 Attacks Continue to Reshape Global and US Politics
The third anniversary of the Hamas attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza are marked by widespread commemorations and ongoing geopolitical shifts.
Jewish communities worldwide are marking the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, which killed 1,200 people and initiated the war in Gaza. Memorials have been held in Israel at homes, on highways, and at the site of the Nova music festival, as well as in Tel Aviv where an art installation commemorated the victims and the 251 hostages taken by Hamas. Of these hostages, 166 have since been returned alive, and the remains of the last deceased captive were released in January.
The October 7 attacks, described as the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust, and Israel's subsequent military campaign have profoundly altered Israel, Gaza, the Middle East, and the United States, continuing to influence global and domestic politics.
Regional and International Ramifications
The war has had a devastating impact on Gaza, where entire cities have been reduced to rubble. Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 74,000 Palestinians, a significant portion of whom are civilians. The majority of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced, living in makeshift shelters facing severe hunger and disease. Settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has also intensified.
The conflicts have also weakened Iran and altered the balance of power in the Middle East. Iran, which previously relied on allies like Hamas and Hezbollah to project power, has seen these groups significantly weakened by Israel's actions. This has left Iran more vulnerable, contributing to direct strikes between Israel and Iran that began last winter.
Israel's international image has suffered due to the war in Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A Pew survey indicated that a median of 67 percent of adults across 36 countries viewed Israel negatively. This has led to diplomatic shifts, with 155 countries now officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, an increase from 136 before the war, signaling a rebuke to Israel's policies.
Domestic Politics in the US
In the United States, Israel has become a significant point of contention in domestic politics. While over half of Americans held a favorable view of Israel before October 7, sentiment has sharply deteriorated, particularly among Democrats, since 2025 and 2026.
The issue is poised to impact key midterm races, such as the Michigan Senate election, where a Democratic candidate has advocated for ending US military aid to Israel. This stance is shared by nearly half of House Democrats and is a policy endorsed by many potential presidential candidates. However, cutting off US aid is unlikely to fundamentally change Israel's policies, as the country is financially independent and American aid constitutes a small part of its budget. More substantial pressure would be required to alter Israeli policy on Gaza and the West Bank, pressure that the US appears unlikely to exert despite the current political climate.
The repercussions of the single day of attacks have led to a cascade of ongoing crises, and resolving them is expected to require a prolonged effort.